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The Drift

January 4, 2008

 

Shanley Yates, Editor

Submissions to The Drift need to be submitted by 5pm on Thursday to:

eebdept@email.arizona.edu

Please reference the word “Drift” in the subject line.

 

~In This Edition~

EEB Department News
Journal Request

Monday Seminar Series
Tuesday “Noon” Seminar Series

ARL Division of Neurobiology talk

Arizona Center for Innovation Commercial Realty Mentored Launch Sessions

Faculty Award Announcements

American Ornithologists Union Research Awards for Women

Training Opportunities

Pedagogy Workshop

Introduction To Using Digital Images In Science

Spring 2008 Course Announcements

New Symbiosis Course in Spring 2008

New ECOL 495/596H Course In Spring 2008

Ways to Volunteer

Science Fair Judges Needed on January 28

 Fellowship/Employment Opportunities

The University of Arizona Biosphere 2 Science and Society Fellows Program

Maryland Sea Grant's Research Experience for Undergraduates Estuarine Science Program

Educational Programs Paid Internship - Tumacacori National Historical Park

Internship & Volunteering Opportunities – Madagascar
CEDO Field Education Internship

       

Journal Request

 

Does anyone receive a paper (not online) subscription to the journal Genetics?

Please contact:

Stacy Marie Mazzalupo

smm@email.arizona.edu

626-6322

 

Monday Seminar Series
 
Date:            January 21, 2008
Time:            Tentatively 4:30 pm
Location:       TBA
 
Dr. Harold Mooney
Stanford University
http://www.stanford.edu/group/Mooney/
Host:  EEB Graduate Students

"The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment--what it accomplished and what is next?" 


Tuesday “Noon” Seminar Series

Date:            January 22, 2008
Time:            12:30 pm
Location:       Biosciences West, Room 208
 
Ellen Suurmeyer

Title TBA (25 mins)

Dr. Machado’s Lab

 

Grant Peterson
Title TBA (25 mins)

Dr. Masel’s Lab

 

ARL Division of Neurobiology talk

 

Date:            January 14, 2008
Time:            4:00 pm
Location:      
Marley 230 Refreshments will be served at 3:45 pm

 

William Newsome, PhD

Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Professor

Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University

"Reward, Value and Choice: Neural Mechanisms of Value-Based Decisions"

 

Arizona Center for Innovation Commercial Realty Mentored Launch Sessions

 

The Commercial Realty Mentored Launch sessions are led by experienced professionals in the Tucson area that assist high-tech start-up companies trying to launch their venture. These hands-on sessions cover all aspects of launching a company. The next 90-day program is starting in January 2008.

 

Jan 28       Formation of a company

Feb 8         Protecting Your Intellectual Property

Feb 22       Building Your Business Plan

March 7     Validation: Primary & Secondary Market Research

March 28   Building a Business Model and Go-to-Market Strategy

April 11      Funding Your Venture

 

Tour the Arizona Center for Innovation

If you are a high-tech start-up with the need for office (and laboratory space) and business development assistance the Arizona Center for Innovation (AzCI) might be the right place for you to be. Come for a tour and Open House of the center on Jan 11.

 

All events are from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Arizona Center for Innovation at the UA Science and Technology Park, 9040 S Rita Rd. Tucson, AZ. Please contact Anita Bell at anitab@azinnovation.com or 382-3260 to register for any event and further details. Each session is $20 (except AzCI tour). www.azinnovation.org

 

American Ornithologists Union Research Awards for Women

 

ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED:                Research or Dissertation

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND REQUIRED: Graduate Students

                                                 Undergraduate Students

CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED:                 U.S. Citizens

                                                 Permanent U.S. Residents

                                                 Non U.S. Citizens/Residents

RESTRICTIONS:                            Women

DEADLINES ANNOUNCED:                02/04/2008

 

 

American Ornithologists Union

Suite 402

1313 Dolley Madison Boulevard

McLean, VA  22101

E-mail:   membershipawards@aou.org

Web Site: http://www.aou.org/

E-Forms:  http://www.aou.org/student/researchaward.php3

 

Pedagogy Workshop

 

Postdoctoral fellows and Graduate Students:

                            

Do you want to learn how to teach science more effectively?  Do you want to learn new teaching technologies and cutting edge ways to communicate with your students?  If so, this workshop is for you! 

The PERT program in the Center for Insect Science is sponsoring a Pedagogy Workshop taught by

 

Dr. Josephine Kurdziel Ph.D.

University of Michigan

 

Dr. Kurdziel has a Ph.D. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and was an NSF postdoctoral fellow in Science Education. She currently teaches at the University of Michigan and in 2006 was named "Education Fellow in the Life Sciences" by the National Academy of Sciences for her work in improving introductory biology teaching and learning.

 

When:   Thursday, February 28, 9:00 a.m - 3:30 p.m

Friday, February 29, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 1, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Please bring a brown bag lunch if desired

 

Where:  Park Student Union, Coyote Room

Registration:  $65.00 for non-PERT fellow

Payment:  Cash, check or departmental IDB

 

Registration is due by Friday, February 22.

 

Please register with Teresa Kudrna in Life Sciences South Room 227, or contact her by phone 621-4923, or email her at tkudrna@email.arizona.edu

 

Introduction To Using Digital Images In Science

 

For those who missed the one last August, a workshop on digital images will be given Jan. 10, 2008. The goal of the workshop is to give all attendees an appreciation that the image is data, what can be done with that data, and the ease with which it can be compromised.  While the use of digital images is common in a wide variety of scientific disciplines, the majority of examples will come from the world of microscopy. The basic aspects of what constitutes a digital image and what goes into acquiring good images will be discussed.

 

Jargon and concepts associated with digital images, such as pixels, resolution, over saturation, color space, image format, bit depth, and image processing filters will be described and illustrated. Options and formats for presentation of images will also be presented. A discussion of the ethical (and unethical) use of digital images will close the session. Only general references will be made to software packages, operating systems or hardware.

 

The workshop will be held from 8:30AM to 1 PM in room 114A of the Drachman Building.  Registration is limited to the first 100 applications, so make your reservation soon. To register, go to:  http://www.mcb.arizona.edu/imagingWorkshop.cfm

 

Instructors:

Carl Boswell, Staff Scientist, MCB, AZCC, Bio5, ARIBI cboswell@email.arizona.edu

Doug Cromey, Assist. Scientific Invest., CBA; Manager, Cellular Image Core, SWEHSC cromey@arizona.edu

David Elliott, Assist. Professor, CBA; Director, Research Microscopy Core Service elliott@arizona.edu

Chip Hedgcock, Research Specialist Sr., ARL Neurobiology chip@neurobio.arizona.edu

 

New Symbiosis Course in Spring 2008

 

Next semester Dr. S. Patricia Stock will be offering a Seminar on "Symbiosis".  ENTO 596-A (SMR-2) Date and time TBA

The goal of this Seminar Series will be to gain an appreciation of the importance of symbiotic interactions in extant organisms, ecological systems, and evolutionary processes. Topics from the community level to molecular aspects of these relationships will be considered.

 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Dr. S. Patricia Stock

Assistant Professor / Adjunct Professor Department of Entomology / Plant Sciences

Voice: (520) 626-3854

Lab: (520) 621-1317

e-mail: spstock@ag.arizona.edu

 

New ECOL 495/596H Course In Spring 2008

ECOL496H/596H Complex systems: networks and self-organization in biology

2 credit graduate seminar, starting Wednesday 01/23/08, 3pm-4:50pm.

 

Check out the course website for more information:

http://eebweb.arizona.edu/Faculty/Dornhaus/courses/ecol596h.html

 

What is a complex system? What does networks theory have to do with biology? Biologists have discovered that many biological systems, from embryos to ecosystems, can be considered "complex systems", in that many units interact without central control to form complicated patterns. How do such patterns arise? What can we learn from a 'holistic', system-wide approach?

 

We will discuss current and classic literature on complex systems research at multiple levels, including gene regulatory networks, neural net(work)s, ecological networks, and social networks. We will try to identify the commonalities of these systems and what is so exciting about 'systems biology'. We will also discuss what types of models are used to describe and study self-organization and networks in general.

Students will be allowed to pick some topics for the course that are most relevant to their interests - the schedule below is therefore preliminary and flexible.

 

Science Fair Judges Needed on January 28

 

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy is looking for volunteers to judge our school science fair, which will be held at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy on January 28, 2008 from 1-5 pm; lunch will be provided. Judges should have some science background.  If you are able to help us, please contact Elaine

MacKenzie: 797-0107 or elaine.mackenzie@prca-tucson.org

 

The University of Arizona Biosphere 2 Science and Society Fellows Program  

 

What is a Science and Society Fellow? 

Fellows are highly qualified University of Arizona (UA) graduate students, primarily in ecology, earth and environmental sciences with active research projects who are funded to develop skills, strategies and products that communicate their research to the public.  The goals of the program are to 1) increase the skills of the Fellow in communicating their research outside of an academic setting; and 2) advance the understanding of scientific information and the scientific process by members of the general public.   The Program uses the Biosphere 2 as a setting for training and outreach related to the Fellow’s own research program.

Who should apply?

Ideal candidates are full-time UA graduate students in ecology, evolution, natural resources, geosciences, geography, hydrology, plant sciences, and soils, water & environmental sciences who have completed at least one year of coursework and have started their research programs.  To be successful, graduate students should have a strong interest in honing their abilities to communicate science effectively to the public, including teachers, students, and community members.  Support from the Fellow’s faculty advisor is important for participation in the program.

What is the Fellow’s stipend?

The Fellow’s award is $3,000 for a 12-month tenure.  In addition, funds will be available to support materials, production costs, and travel to and from UA Biosphere 2.

What are my obligations as a Fellow?

Fellows are expected to spend approximately 10 hours per month in on-campus training seminars and in working with various experts to develop strategies and products (e.g., kiosks, animations, hands-on activities) that communicate core concepts and results of their research to many audiences. In addition, the Fellow is expected to devote three Saturdays during 2008 at Biosphere 2 working with visitors to interpret their own research.

How do I apply?

To apply, you must submit a letter of application, including a 1-page statement outlining your career goals, research question(s), and interest in connecting your research to the public.  Please also include a copy of your graduate coursework transcript and arrange for a letter of recommendation, from your major advisor.  Submit the applications via email to Candace Crossey (crossey@email.arizona.edu).  Applicants will be ranked on their qualifications, demonstrated commitment to public communication of science, relevance of their research to Biosphere 2 programs, and the level of commitment for this activity expressed by their major advisor.  The program is best suited for Ph.D. students, but highly qualified M.S. students are encouraged to apply.  We will begin reviewing application materials on January 18, 2008. We anticipate funding three to four Fellows in late Winter or Spring 2008.

For more information on The University of Arizona Biosphere 2 Science and Society Fellows Program, please contact Dr. Travis Huxman (huxman@email.arizona.edu; 626-4092), or visit www.b2science.org.

 

Maryland Sea Grant's Research Experience for Undergraduates Estuarine Science Program

 

We would like to invite your students to apply for Maryland Sea Grant's Research Experience for Undergraduates Estuarine Science Program.

~12 week program during summer 2008.  May 18 to August 10.

~$4200 stipend plus housing, travel to and from site http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/REU

Applications due: February 29, 2008

We invite applications from undergraduates in diverse disciplines, including engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, ecology and marine and environmental science.

Since 1989, NSF has supported this program that brings students to conduct individual research projects with a scientist-mentor at either Chesapeake Biological Lab or Horn Point Lab of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.

Details and application guidance at our web site:  http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/REU

A downloadable PDF flyer is available at:

http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/programs/research/reu/reu2008.pdf

 

While an advisory committee selects students from large and small institutions throughout the U.S., NSF is particularly interested in supporting talented students from institutions where access to marine science and to research projects is limited and who are from underrepresented groups in marine science.

 

Please help us to "spread the word" about the terrific NSF REU program and, in particular, about the Maryland Sea Grant REU program.  We would be grateful if you could forward this email on to your students and to colleagues at other academic institutions that might have qualified undergraduates.

If you have any questions please feel free to email or call Fredrika Moser 301-405-6373, moser@mdsg.umd.edu

 

Educational Programs Paid Internship - Tumacacori National Historical Park

 

National Park Service in conjunction with the Friends of the Santa Cruz River (FOSCR) is seeking an intern to work with educational programs at Tumacacori National Historical Park.  The selected intern would work at the park with the Division of Interpretation and specifically with park-based Culture, History, and River education programs and activities.  The emphasis will be on helping to lead activities and developing programs while learning park based educational themes and concepts.

 

The intern would help with a variety of educational programs including historical-, cultural-, and river-themed activities.  The internship will begin in January and continue through late May, one to three days per week, normally Tuesday through Thursday.  There is no age restriction for applicants.  Although no experience is required, applicants must be able to work with very wiggly students for the duration of each scheduled program which will require walking, standing, and kneeling.  Interest or experience in working with kids is a must as is interest in the history, river and environment.  This a paid internship with a modest stipend or scholarship for time involved-based on days worked.  The intern will receive hands-on and formal training as well as learning about the workings of both FOSCR and the National Park Service.  The internship may be expanded to include working in the Visitors Center, research and computer work, depending on the applicant’s interests and skills.  Inters may also participate in other NPS education programs including costumed presentations, puppet shows and slide shows.

 

This internship is an excellent opportunity for students pursuing a career in education, environment, or history.  It is also a great avenue to gain experience and learn about careers with the National Park Service. 

 

For more information or questions, please contact:

 

Roy Simpson

520-398-2341x72

roy_simpson@nps.gov

 

Internship & Volunteering Opportunities – Madagascar
 
In 2008, Azafady is offering a limited number of unique internship opportunities for students to participate in humanitarian, environmental and conservation work while having the chance to see how a grassroots development NGO operates. Working closely with local communities, interns on our Pioneer Madagascar Program take part in a range of practical construction work, conservation research and educational activities, whilst our Lemur Venture scheme, new this year, provides the chance to focus on the conservation of endangered primate populations in the south-east of the island. Our internships could be beneficial to students in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and would particularly suit those who have a specific interest in working in the international sustainable development or conservation sector.
 
For additional information, please visit: http://www.madagascar.co.uk/mailers/mailer_121007_mailer_us.htm

 

CEDO Field Education Internship
        
CEDO, the Intercultural Study for the Studies of Deserts and Oceans, has an immediate opening in its Field Education Internship program at its facility in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora.
 
Interns support CEDO’s field education programs by receiving and orienting groups using the facility and providing field teaching services for student and tour groups (tide pool & estuary tours, slideshows, general CEDO talks).
 
Interns are provided housing in the CEDO facility and a monthly stipend. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a college degree, preferably in science (marine biology or related field).  Some Spanish proficiency required. This internship runs until June 2008.
 
Contact Rick Boyer at 520-320-5473 or by email: rick@cedointercultural.org
Details available at: www.cedointercultural.org.

  ******************************************

Shanley Yates

Administrative Associate 

Office of Department Head, Dr. Michod

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

University of Arizona

BSW 306

Ph: 520-621-7509

Fax: 520-621-9190

 



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